Naturalization after 3 Years: Requirements 2026

Strict rules apply in Germany for the accelerated acquisition of German citizenship. While the law introduced in summer 2024 still allowed the residence period to be shortened to three years for "special integration achievements" (such as C1 language level and voluntary work), this option was officially and completely abolished in October 2025. This marks a significant turning point for many well-integrated immigrants.

For all regular naturalization procedures, a statutory minimum residence period of strictly 5 years of lawful and habitual residence in Germany now applies again (§ 10 StAG↗). Special integration achievements or C1 language certificates no longer lead to a reduction of this period to 3 years. The authorities cited high caseloads and the need for longer integration tracking as the main reasons.

The only remaining exception where naturalization is legally possible after only 3 years concerns spouses or registered partners of German citizens (§ 9 StAG↗). This rule is intended to protect the family unit, which is why it bypasses the standard 5-year requirement.

For this, the marriage or partnership must have existed for at least two years, the applicant must have lived in Germany lawfully for three years, their livelihood must be secured independently, and B1 German language skills along with a passed citizenship test must be proven. Additionally, there must be no criminal record of significance.